Multifunctional garment

ABSTRACT

A multifunctional garment is disclosed. The multifunctional garment can be composed of a piece of fabric having a substantially rectangular shape. The fabric has two elongated ends that are flush with each other to form a crease in the middle of the fabric and two tubular openings. The elongated ends are sewn inwardly along the flush ends to two predetermined points, such that a central opening remains. The opening is reinforced with elastic to provide a snug fit when worn in multiple ways. The multifunction garment has a general size and width-to-height ratio that allows the wearer to comfortably use the fabric as a scarf, as a tie, as a collar, or as a hood. Additionally, the garment may be worn as a shawl, as a blouse, as a sash, or as a shrug.

B. CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The current application claims a priority o the U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/814869 filed on Apr. 23, 2013.

C. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present application generally relates to a garment, and more specifically, to a multifunctional scarf-like garment capable of being worn in various ways to achieve numerous appearances.

2. Description of the Background of the Invention

A typical scarf is a single garment worn as an accessory around the head, face or neck, generally for the purpose of keeping the body warm. The traditional scarf is limited though, in terms of function and fashion. Thus, there is a need for garments that are designed to extend beyond just keeping the body warm, but also to afford one the flexibility of using one garment for multiple purposes, while striking a balance between function and fashion.

Accordingly, one object of the present application is to provide a new and improved garment.

Another object of present application is to provide a new and improved multifunctional scarf-like garment capable of being worn in various ways to achieve numerous appearances.

D. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment of this invention, a multifunctional garment has a rectangular piece of fabric with two substantially parallel elongated sides. The rectangular fabric also has a first short side and a second opposed short side, which are substantially parallel to one another. These short sides may have fringe to add to their aesthetic appeal.

Additionally, the rectangular fabric of fabric has a fold extended longitudinally from the first short side to the second short side, created by folding the rectangular fabric lengthwise, such that the first elongated side and the second elongated side are flush.

A first seam is used to secure a first section of the flush first and second elongated sides. The first seam extends inward from the first short side to a first pre-determined point, hence creating a first tubular outlet. A second seam is used to secure a second section of the flush first and second elongated sides. The second seam extends inward from the second short side to a second pre-determined point, hence creating a second tubular outlet. Preferably, the length of the two seams is identical, so as to create identical sleeves. Among other things, these sleeves give the garment the capability of being used as a shrug.

In between the first and the second seam the garment has an opening. A circumferential channel is formed around the opening by folding the fabric down in a length along the opening and securing the fabric with a third seam. An elastic band is placed inside this channel. This allows for the opening to accommodate different body types and sizes.

Unlike the traditional scarf that is worn draped loosely, the center elastic opening on the present invention affords a snug fit, thus preventing the garment from moving or falling off the body, and provides a tailored edge to enhance the style of the garment. This embodiment not only acts as a scarf and is capable of its usual function of providing warmth, but also has the capacity of being used in multiple ways, thus striking a balance between practicality and versatility. The center elastic opening creates tension when the garment is worn as a tie, a collar, a shawl, a shrug, or a blouse. The elastic opening also provides a cavity where the wearer can insert his or her head, forming a garment with a hood.

E. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further advantages of the invention will be readily apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art from the subsequent detailed description, taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a top view of a single piece of elongated rectangular fabric before it is modified to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the single piece of elongated rectangular fabric that has been folded in half to form a double layer of fabric;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the modified scarf material with a center elastic opening, illustrating a finished embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4A is an enlarged view of the center elastic opening of FIG. 3;

FIG. 4B is an enlarged diagrammatical view of a portion of the center elastic opening of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 3 illustrated as a tie;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 3 illustrated as a hood;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 3 illustrated as a collar;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 3 illustrated as a shawl;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 3 illustrated as a blouse;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 3 illustrated as a sash;

FIG: 11 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 3 illustrated as a shrug;

F. DETAIL DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a top view of a single piece of elongated rectangular fabric 20 before any modifications have been made. The single piece of elongated rectangular fabric 20 can have a length of 67 inches and a width of 26 inches. A fabric of any suitable length and width may be used depending on the desired size. The preferred embodiment uses pashmina fabric, but any fabric material may be used.

The rectangular fabric 20 has a first elongated side 22 a, a second substantially parallel elongated side 22 b, and a first short side 24 and a second opposed short side 26 substantially parallel to one another. Attached to the short side ends 24 and 26 are 2 inch fringes 28.

A dashed line is shown to illustrate the fold 30 that will be made to construct the preferred embodiment. The location of the fold 30 is along the midpoint in between the two elongated sides 22 a and 22 b, and extends longitudinally from the first short side 24 to the second opposed short side 26 running parallel to the elongated sides 22 a and 22 b.

FIG. 2 shows a top view of the rectangular fabric 20 seen in FIG. 1 after it has been folded in half. The rectangular fabric 20 has been folded in half lengthwise such that the two elongated sides 22 a and 22 b are flush. This folding alters the measurements to a length of 67 inches and a new width of 13 inches, with 2 inch fringe 28 on the side ends 24 and 26. The altered measurements vary depending on the desired size of the starting rectangular piece of fabric. In an alternate embodiment, the fold 30 can be made by a seam connecting two separate rectangular pieces of fabric together. A crease includes the fold 30 made by folding the rectangular fabric 20 and the seam when two pieces of fabric are used.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the modified fabric with the center elastic opening, illustrating a finished product of the preferred embodiment. The rectangular fabric 20 has two elongated sides 22 a and 22 b that are flush. A first seam 32 secures a first section 34 of the flush first and second elongated sides 22 a and 22 b, extending inward from the first short side 24 to a first pre-determined point 36, whereby a first tubular outlet 38 is formed.

A second seam 40 secures a second section 42 of the flush first and second elongated sides 22 a and 22 b, extending inward from the second short side 26 to a second pre-determined point 44, whereby a second tubular outlet 46 is formed.

In between the first pre-determined point 36 and the second pre-determined point 44 there is an opening 48. While any length can be used to define the first section 34 and the second section 42, in the preferred embodiment the first and second section 34 and 42 are equal in size and measure 18 inches in length.

FIG. 4A shows an enlarged view of the opening 48 shown in FIG. 3. In the preferred embodiment the opening 48 has a circumferential length of 31 inches, but any suitable length can be used. The anterior portion of the center opening 48 is demarcated by the first elongated side 22 b. The posterior portion of the center opening 48 is demarcated by the second elongated side 22 a. An elastic band 54 is shown here in phantom, and runs through the channel 50.

As seen in FIG. 4B the center opening 48 has a circumferential channel 50 formed by folding the fabric over and securing the fabric with a third seam 52. The preferred embodiment here shown has a 1 inch fold. The elastic band 54 is inside the channel 50. A variety of appropriate materials of varied sizes may be used to achieve the desired effect here accomplished by a ¾ inch stretch elastic band 54 with a length of 40 inches.

In use, the fabric 20 worn in at least one of the selected styles from the group of a tie FIG. 5, a hood FIG. 6, a collar FIG. 7, a shawl FIG. 8, a blouse FIG. 9, a sash FIG. 10 and a shrug FIG. 11 for wear on a head, neck, first and second shoulders, chest, back, arms, or mid region of a body.

The fabric 20 is worn as a tie FIG. 5 by placing the center opening 48 behind the neck and draping the first 38 and second 46 outlets over the first and second shoulders, crossing the first outlet 38 with the second outlet 46 such that a V-junction is created through which the second outlet 46 is looped inwardly and downwardly, and adjusting the first outlet 38 to be substantially flush with the second outlet 46.

The fabric 20 is worn as a hood FIG. 6 by placing the opening 48 over the head such that the first 38 and second outlets 46 hang in front of the body, crossing the first 38 or second 46 outlet or both, 38, 46 over the neck region, and draping the first 38 or second 46 outlet, or both, 38, 46 over the opposing shoulder.

The fabric 20 is worn as a collar FIG. 7 by placing the center opening 48 behind the neck and draping the first 38 and second 46 outlet over the first and second shoulders; and crossing the first 38 or second 46 outlet, or both, 38, 46 outlets across the neck and chest region to the opposing shoulder.

The fabric 20 is worn as a shawl FIG. 8 by placing the center opening 48 in front of the body such that the chest and arm regions are covered and draping the first 38 and second 46 outlet over the first and second shoulders.

The fabric 20 is worn as a blouse FIG. 9 by placing the center opening 48 around the back; drawing the first 38 and second 46 outlets under the arms and over the chest area to the front of the body, and securing the first and second outlets together with a fastener such as a pin or a broche or by tying.

The fabric 20 is worn as a sash FIG. 10 by placing the fabric 20 around the mid region and securing the first 38 and second 46 outlet together.

The fabric 20 is worn as a shrug FIG. 11 by placing the opening 48 behind the neck, draping the opening 48 over both shoulders, extending a first arm through the first outlet 38 and extending the opposing arm through the second outlet 46.

Numerous modifications to the features described and shown are possible. Accordingly, this invention is not limited by the described and illustrated embodiments, nor any possible modification, so long as these do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A rectangular fabric, comprising: two substantially parallel, elongated sides; a first short side and a second opposed short side substantially parallel to one another; a crease extended longitudinally from the first short side to the second short side; wherein the rectangular fabric is folded lengthwise, such that the first elongated side and the second elongated side are flush; means for securing a first section of the flush first and second elongated sides, extending inwardly from the first short side to a first pre-determined point, whereby a first tubular outlet is formed; means for securing a second section of the flush first and second elongated sides, extending inwardly from the second short side to a second pre-determined point, whereby a second tubular outlet is formed; an opening extending from the first pre-determined point to the second pre-determined point; the opening having a circumferential channel extending around the opening wherein the channel is secured with a seam; and an elastic band inside the channel.
 2. The rectangular fabric of claim 1, wherein the first and second sections and the opening are approximately equal in length.
 3. The rectangular fabric of claim 1, wherein the first and second sections are substantially identical.
 4. The rectangular fabric of claim 1, wherein the opening has a total longitudinal length greater than the longitudinal lengths of either first or second sections.
 5. The rectangular fabric of claim 1, wherein the opening has a relaxed length greater than approximately one third the total longitudinal length of the fabric.
 6. The rectangular fabric of claim 1, wherein the elastic is ¾ inches wide and 40″ in length.
 7. The rectangular fabric of claim 1, wherein the first and second short sides have fringed ends.
 8. A method of wearing a rectangular fabric having two substantially parallel, elongated sides; a first short side and a second opposed short side substantially parallel to one another; a crease extended longitudinally from the first short side to the second short side; wherein the rectangular fabric is folded lengthwise, such that the first elongated side and the second elongated side are flush; means for securing a first section of the flush first and second elongated sides, extending inwardly from the first short side to a first pre-determined point, whereby a first tubular outlet is formed; means for securing a second section of the flush first and second elongated sides, extending inwardly from the second short side to a second pre-determined point, whereby a second tubular outlet is formed; an opening extending from the first pre-determined point to the second pre-determined point; the opening having a circumferential channel extending around the opening wherein the channel is secured with a seam, and an elastic band inside the channel, the method comprising wearing the fabric as at least one item selected from the group of a tie, a hood, a collar, a shawl, a blouse, a sash and a shrug for wear on a head, neck, first and second shoulders, chest, back, arms, or mid region of a body.
 9. The method of claim 8 wherein the fabric is worn as a tie by placing the center opening behind the neck and draping the first and second outlets over the first and second shoulders; crossing the first outlet with the second outlet such that a V-junction is created through which the second outlet is looped inwardly and downward; and adjusting the first outlet to be substantially flush with the second outlet.
 10. The method of claim 8 wherein the fabric is worn as a hood by placing the opening over the head such that the first and second outlets hang in front of the body; crossing the first or second outlet or both over the neck region; and draping the first or second outlet, or both, over the opposing shoulder.
 11. The method of claim 8 wherein the fabric is worn as a collar by placing the center opening behind the neck and draping the first and second outlet over the first and second shoulders; and crossing the first or second outlet, or both, outlets across the neck and chest region to the opposing shoulder.
 12. The method of claim 8 wherein the fabric is worn as a shawl by placing the center opening in front of the body such that the chest and arm regions are covered; and draping the first and second outlet over the first and second shoulders.
 13. The method of claim 8 wherein the fabric is worn as a blouse by placing the center opening around the back; drawing the first and second outlets under the arms and over the chest area to the front of the body, and securing the first and second outlets together.
 14. The method of claim 8 wherein the fabric is worn as a sash by placing the fabric around the mid region; and securing the first and second outlet together.
 15. The method of claim 8 wherein the fabric is worn as a shrug by placing the opening behind the neck; draped the opening over both shoulders; extending a first arm through the first outlet and extending the opposing arm through the second outlet. 